Pat Caputo - Why this season is much more promising for the Detroit Lions

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is rushed by Detroit Lions defensive end George Johnson (93) left, and defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) after releasing the ball during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)

It wouldn’t be the Lions if there was nothing to complain about, right?

So welcome to Detroit, Matt Prater. This town doesn’t trust you any more with its field goal kicking to this point than David Akers, Nate Freese or Alex Henery.

But other than the Lions’ new kicker being just like every other one dating back to Jason Hanson, there really wasn’t much to complain about Detroit’s 17-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday.

It was a division win on the road against an opponent, which had owned the Lions under similar circumstances for decades.

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The Lions proved they can win without their resident superstar, Calvin Johnson. Arguably their second-most explosive offensive player, Reggie Bush, didn’t play, either, also because of an injury.

It’s been puzzling why the Lions’ defensive front hasn’t been able impose its will on games with more regularity, considering it contains first-round draft picks at tackle in Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley, and defensive end Ziggy Ansah.

Ansah (2.5) and Suh (two) not only combined for 4.5 sacks Sunday, but played the run very well.

Vikings’ quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a rookie, but he had played well before Sunday. He turned in an outstanding performance vs. the Atlanta Falcons the last time he played at home two weeks before. How the Lions’ performed defensively Sunday shouldn’t be considered a fluke because it follows a similar pattern.

They’d long had issues with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, yet beat Green Bay at home in a similar fashion during September.

Time will tell if the Lions’ loss to Buffalo at home last week, primarily because Henery missed three field goals before he was unceremoniously released in favor or Prater, will come back to haunt the Lions. However, Sunday’s victory did take some of the sting out of that defeat.

The Lions sacked Bridgewater eight times, but it would be a misnomer to suggest the defensive line was the only reason why. Some were coverage sacks. One of the sacks came from safety James Ihedigbo. The Lions intercepted three passes. It was a collective effort from the defense. Second-year cornerback Darius Slay was outstanding in coverage. Linebacker Tahir Whitehead intercepted two passes and tied linebacker DeAndre Levy, who continues to standout, with seven tackles to lead the team.

It’s been believed the Lions’ spot leading the NFL in defense was an aberration and not sustainable, but not-so-fast. They have played more than a third of the season. The Lions’ defense has more than held up. It is improving.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is a lightning rod for controversy, but he didn’t turn the ball over Sunday. He managed the game effectively. He did what was necessary to win.

The schedule sets up well for the Lions. The New Orleans Saints, who have lost all three of their road games, will visit Ford Field this week likely without All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham, who has a shoulder injury. Then it’s vs. Atlanta in London and the bye week before Miami comes to Detroit.

The Lions, who improved to 4-2 in ’14, were 6-3 in ’13 before folding like a house of cards down the stretch.

It seems probable they will be 6-3 or better this year with a chance for redemption.

About the Author

Pat Caputo has written as a beat writer and sports columnist for The Oakland Press since 1984 and blogs at http://patcaputo.blogspot.com/. Reach the author at pat.caputo@oakpress.com
or follow Pat on Twitter: @PatCaputo98.